2003 Vintage Select Gamay Noir

Wine Statistics

2003 The Vintage

The year 2003 was marked by an occurrence of late frost throughout the Willamette Valley affecting different vineyards to different degrees. Fortunately, LaVelle Vineyards, with its higher elevation and well-drained slope, was largely unaffected. In turn, there was a period of very warm weather in mid-summer, which rocketed many varietal grapes through veraison (skin color change) and final maturation. Some varietals were ready for harvest up to two weeks before their average time, a side benefit of this being the avoidance of the cooler and wetter weather early November can bring.

2003 Vintage Select Gamay Noir

This versatile grape, which is closely related to Pinot Noir, can be blended with its better known cousin to achieve improved color and structure. It can also stand on its own as a darker more full-bodied wine, with a profile that is similar to Pinot Noir but a bit more aggressive.

LaVelle Vineyards Gamay Noir was harvested on Oct. 7, 2003. It was whole berry crushed and carefully vinified in open top fermenters. Twelve days after fermentation the wine was racked into barrels, where it was aged for nine months. The wine was coarse filtered and bottled on September 2, 2004. Our 2003 Gamay Noir exhibits a delicate nose with nuances of fruit and spice. Dark cherry and currant flavors are followed by soft hints of white pepper, and a finish of red plums completes the tasting experience. This wine serves well with meat and pasta dishes, or as a complement to rich chocolate desserts.

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